Ryzen 7 5700X vs Xeon X5690

AMD

Ryzen 7 5700X

8 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2022
Ryzen family
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VS
Intel

Xeon X5690

6 Cores12 Thrd130 WWMax: 3.73 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Ryzen 7 5700X vs Xeon X5690 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Ryzen 7 5700X vs Xeon X5690 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Ryzen 7 5700X vs Xeon X5690: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Ryzen 7 5700X

2022

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +93.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +166.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 12 MB).
  • Delivers 216.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 89.0 vs 28.1 PassMark/$ ($299 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 130W, a 65W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • 19.6% HIGHER MSRP
    $299 MSRPvs$250 MSRP

Xeon X5690

2011

Why buy it

  • Costs $49 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 7 5700X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (3,000 vs 14,000).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 32 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 28.1 vs 89.0 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).
  • 100% higher power demand at 130W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 7 5700X better than Xeon X5690?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5690 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen 7 5700X is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Ryzen 7 5700X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 93.1% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen 7 5700X is the stronger fit. You are getting 366.7% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 12 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 7 5700X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 7 5700X comes in 19.6% more expensive on MSRP at $299 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 93.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 216.4% better value on MSRP (89.0 vs 28.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen 7 5700X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2011), 166.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 12 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Ryzen 7 5700X vs Xeon X5690 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

AMD

Ryzen 7 5700X

The Ryzen 7 5700X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 4 April 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 26,609 points. Launch price was $299.

Intel

Xeon X5690

The Xeon X5690 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.46 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 GHz. L3 cache: 12288 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,031 points. Launch price was $205.

Processing Power

The Ryzen 7 5700X packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon X5690 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 7 5700X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 7 5700X versus 3.73 GHz on the Xeon X5690 — a 20.9% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 5700X (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.46 GHz). The Ryzen 7 5700X uses the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture (7 nm), while the Xeon X5690 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 7 5700X scores 26,609 against the Xeon X5690's 7,031 — a 116.4% lead for the Ryzen 7 5700X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 14,000 vs 3,000 (129.4% advantage for the Ryzen 7 5700X). L3 cache: 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 7 5700X vs 12288 kB (total) on the Xeon X5690.

FeatureRyzen 7 5700XXeon X5690
Cores / Threads
8 / 16+33%
6 / 12
Boost Clock
4.6 GHz+23%
3.73 GHz
Base Clock
3.4 GHz
3.46 GHz+2%
L3 Cache
32 MB (total)+167%
12288 kB (total)
L2 Cache
512K (per core)+100%
256 kB (per core)
Process
7 nm-78%
32 nm
Architecture
Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022)
Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark
26,609+278%
7,031
Cinebench R23 Multi
14,000+367%
3,000
Geekbench 6 Single
2,116
Geekbench 6 Multi
9,715
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 7 5700X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon X5690 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 7 5700X versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon X5690 — the Ryzen 7 5700X supports 140.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 7 5700X) vs 3 (Xeon X5690). Chipset compatibility: A320,B350,X370,B450,X470,B550,X570 (Ryzen 7 5700X) and Intel X58,Intel 5520 (Xeon X5690).

FeatureRyzen 7 5700XXeon X5690
Socket
AM4
LGA1366
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0+100%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200+140%
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
RAM Channels
2
3+50%
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
24
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 7 5700X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 7 5700X) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5690). Primary use case: Ryzen 7 5700X targets Gaming, Xeon X5690 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 7 5700X rivals Core i7-11700K; Xeon X5690 rivals Core i7-980X.

FeatureRyzen 7 5700XXeon X5690
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Gaming
Workstation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen 7 5700X was priced at $299, while the Xeon X5690 came in at $250. On launch pricing ($299 vs $250), Xeon X5690 was $49 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 7 5700X delivers 89.0 pts/$ vs 28.1 pts/$ for the Xeon X5690 — making the Ryzen 7 5700X the 103.9% better value option.

FeatureRyzen 7 5700XXeon X5690
MSRP
$299
$250-16%
Performance per Dollar
89.0+217%
28.1
Release Date
2022
2011

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